Critical Writ: Pokemon Go

Gal Gadot has shared a new Wonder Woman poster on her Facebook page! I do not like that her boobs are the focal point, but I love the vivid colors and the emphasis on "Wisdom" at the bottom gives me hope for this movie. (Megan and Adrian)

In an interview with The A.V Club, John Cho talks about representation of Asian and queer characters. (Tova)

If you can stomach the opening poop joke, xoJane published a touching story of finding love at a Vampire: The Requiem LARP group. (Megan)

The latest episode of CBC's Love Me features an illuminating account of the unexpected social and emotional ramifications of sexual violence. (Etienne)

With all the bad things we keep hearing about Pokemon Go, check out the lovely story about an autistic child whose mother is very grateful for the game. Look at the joy on this kid's face! (Ivonne)

Jon Stewart took over Colbert's desk last night and delivered a scathing critique of the Republican party and right wing media. The New York Times has both video, and a transcript for those hard of hearing or unable to watch. (Megan)

Two powerful pieces about Black Lives Matter, fear, hurt—and Pokemón GO:
Pokémon GO and Choosing the Blackest Joy by Lauren Bullock and Warning: Pokemon GO is a Death Sentence if You Are a Black Man by Omari Akil. (Tova, Dominik)

And another piece about how Pokémon GO is creating a barrier for gamers with disabilities (by Selena Larson)—and a potential solution in Pokemon STAY: Playing Pokemon GO From Home by A.J. Ryan. Another solution I found on Tumblr: e-mailing Niantic (the game developers) with proof of disability (which is something that you shouldn’t have to prove, to be honest) and they will change the settings of your game so the Pokemon will come to you. (Dominik)

And here’s a cute and analogue way to play Pokémon GO: Pipkemon Go by Philippa Warr. (Dominik)

Not new but definitely relevant: this article on NPR's Code Switch explains how TV shows can play a crucial role in reducing prejudice and improving empathy towards minorities and people different from oneself. The author starts from his own childhood as an Indian kid watching The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and then goes on to describe different examples of media and psychology research on the connections between pop culture representation and real world attitudes. (Tova)

"We're going to stand up as a community and fight against anyone who believes that murder or any violent action taken by those who are sworn to protect us should consistently go unpunished." On Beyoncé’s website, she urges people to contact local politicians and legislators about police killings in the US. (Tova)

A friendly reminder that there’s not a single black female writer at Marvel.(Tova)

Until I see a Black women hired by Marvel to write ANY story (not necessarily WoC) is when I will get excited about these announcements.

— Black Girl Nerds (@BlackGirlNerds) July 6, 2016